The FDA announced that was banning the use of red 3 dye in foods in America, telling thousands of manufacturers to strip it from their products.
Food and drink makers have until January 2027 to reformulate their recipes or be forced out of the market.
The FDA agency said it was taking the action as a ‘matter of law’ because some studies have found that the dye caused cancer in lab rats.
‘The FDA is taking action that will remove the authorization for the use of… Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs,’ said Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods.
The dye has been used for decades to give candy, soda, and other foods and vibrant, cherry-red hue. It was banned from cosmetics by the FDA about three decades ago.
There is no indication so far that food manufacturers will challenge the new rule, and they will have sufficient time to adjust their products to meet the new standards.
There is some concern that manufacturers may opt to use red 40, which, along with red 3, has been associated with various health concerns.
Red 3 has been classified as a potential human carcinogen after studies